Haruki Murakami quotes

Haruki Murakami is a highly acclaimed Japanese writer known for his unique blend of magical realism and literary fiction. With a vast array of critically acclaimed novels, including "Norwegian Wood" and "Kafka on the Shore," Murakami has gained worldwide recognition for his thought-provoking storytelling. Born in 1949 in Kyoto, Murakami's works often explore themes of loneliness, identity, and the complexities of modern life. He effortlessly combines everyday experiences with surreal elements, captivating readers with his vivid imagination and intricate plotlines. Murakami's writing style has garnered a massive following, making him one of Japan's most translated and beloved authors. His international appeal has led to numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award and the Franz Kafka Prize. Whether delving into the depths of the human psyche or examining societal issues, Murakami's novels mesmerize readers with their depth and originality. Anyone seeking a literary journey into the enigmatic world of dreams and realities should explore Haruki Murakami's extraordinary body of work.

The most important thing we learn at school is the fact that the most important things can't be learned at school.

- Haruki Murakami

The fact that I’m me and no one else is one of my greatest assets. Emotional hurt is the price a person has to pay in order to be independent.

- Haruki Murakami

If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.

- Haruki Murakami

Don't feel sorry for yourself. Only assholes do that.

- Haruki Murakami

Despite your best efforts, people are going to be hurt when it's time for them to be hurt.

- Haruki Murakami

Taking crazy things seriously is a serious waste of time.

- Haruki Murakami

Once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.

- Haruki Murakami

Closing your eyes isn't going to change anything. Nothing's going to disappear just because you can't see what's going on. In fact, things will even be worse the next time you open your eyes. That's the kind of world we live in. Keep your eyes wide open. Only a coward closes his eyes. Closing your eyes and plugging up your ears won't make time stand still.

- Haruki Murakami

Two people can sleep in the same bed and still be alone when they close their eyes.

- Haruki Murakami

What we seek is some kind of compensation for what we put up with.

- Haruki Murakami

Unfortunately, the clock is ticking, the hours are going by. The past increases, the future recedes. Possibilities decreasing, regrets mounting.

- Haruki Murakami

No matter what they wish for, no matter how far they go, people can never be anything but themselves.

- Haruki Murakami

I sometimes think that people’s hearts are like deep wells. Nobody knows what’s at the bottom. All you can do is imagine by what comes floating to the surface every once in a while.

- Haruki Murakami

Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.

- Haruki Murakami

No matter how far you travel, you can never get away from yourself.

- Haruki Murakami

I can bear any pain as long as it has meaning.

- Haruki Murakami

Whatever it is you're seeking won't come in the form you're expecting.

- Haruki Murakami

Spend your money on the things money can buy. Spend your time on the things money can’t buy.

- Haruki Murakami

I didn't want to be a writer, but I became one. And now I have many readers, in many countries. I think that's a miracle. So I think I have to be humble regarding this ability. I'm proud of it and I enjoy it, and it is strange to say it this way, but I respect it.

- Haruki Murakami

It is hard to be an individual in Japan.

- Haruki Murakami

When I write about a 15-year old, I jump, I return to the days when I was that age. It's like a time machine. I can remember everything. I can feel the wind. I can smell the air. Very actually. Very vividly.

- Haruki Murakami

Everything passes. Nobody gets anything for keeps. And that's how we've got to live.

- Haruki Murakami

You are 27 or 28 right? It is very tough to live at that age. When nothing is sure. I have sympathy with you.

- Haruki Murakami

Most young people were getting jobs in big companies, becoming company men. I wanted to be individual.

- Haruki Murakami

There's no such thing as perfect writing, just like there's no such thing as perfect despair.

- Haruki Murakami

I am 55 years old now. It takes three years to write one book. I don't know how many books I will be able to write before I die. It is like a countdown. So with each book I am praying - please let me live until I am finished.

- Haruki Murakami

In Japan they prefer the realistic style. They like answers and conclusions, but my stories have none. I want to leave them wide open to every possibility. I think my readers understand that openness.

- Haruki Murakami

I lost some of my friends because I got so famous, people who just assumed that I would be different now. I felt like everyone hated me. That is the most unhappy time of my life.

- Haruki Murakami